Book Review: Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Title: Once A Witch
Series: #1 Witch
Author:Carolyn MacCullough
Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: September 2009
Pages: 292 
Special Features: Extract of sequel, Always a Witch 
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.81

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now
seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in anhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

I've never came across many witch books before so I was full of excitement to read this book, but didn't know what to expect, therefor I was pleasantly surprised.

The book gave me an all round warm feeling within me, it was one of those book which just a few pages in I knew I would love. I was completely hooked from page 1, and sat in blistering sun for 200 pages, definitely worth it. The book is flawlessly paced and well written, but as the book got towards the end I was slowly losing interest.
Parts of the story were very predictable but other were completely unexpected.

What I loved most about the book was learning the large amount of history within the Greene family, which shows author Carolyn's obvious love and dedication to her book. Also I enjoyed learning about the individuality of these witches compared to one's from other books, and also the talents each witch has.

All of the characters are absolutely amazing and completely right for the roles they play within the story, and each create a great effect to how I saw the book.
Tamsin is the main girl in the story and who the story is in the perspective of. She is an outcast of her family and tries to escape the torture of being a failure by going to boarding school in New York. Also Tamsin is faced with sibling rivalry with her sister, Rowena, due to her lack of magical ability, and her sister's power within the family. Tamsin and Rowena remind me slightly of my sister and myself, which helped me love the story much more.
Gabriel, is Tamsin's childhood best friend, who moved away, but then returns with his mother. Gabriel is typical sweet, good looking and adorable male protagonist, who constantly pulls my heart closer and closer towards him.

Once A Witch was a great and addicting read, especially something I would recommend to anyone. I'm now moments away from going and preordering the sequel Always A Witch.

I give this book...